August 25: Saints Genesius, both martyrs, one an actor
Likewise at Rome, of Saint Genesius the Martyr, who while he remained a heathen was an actor. When he was mocking the Christian mysteries in the theatre in the presence of the Emperor Diocletian, being inspired by God, he was suddenly converted to the faith and baptised.
Forthwith by the Emperor's command he was cruelly scourged with rods, then stretched upon the rack, and tormented by the long-continued tearing of his flesh with hooks, and also burnt with torches. But he continued in the faith of Christ, saying: There is no King but Christ, and though I be slain a thousand times for Him, yet ye cannot take Him from my heart or my mouth; and thus he merited the palm of martyrdom by beheading. Although the Martyrology does not relate that he was never baptized, events make this presumption reasonable. Here we have another actor converted in the midst of his blasphemy. May God inspire the many actors today engaged in promoting all manner of sin to leave their sinful life.
At Arles in France, of another blessed Genesius, who undertook the office of copyist. When he refused to transcribe the impious edicts whereby the Christians were ordered to be punished, and, casting away his books, in public proclaimed himself a Christian, he was taken and beheaded, and received the glory of martyrdom, being baptised in his own blood.
PRAYER: Saint Genesius, lead all actors to perform only those things which are right and good and to avoid the many evils which they are given over to today. Amen.
